A persistent Achilles tendon injury has ended Derick Hougaard’s ambitions of returning to the Bulls.

Hougaard was in discussions with the Pretoria franchise about a possible deal, but concerns around the injury recurring has seen the Bulls decline to sign the 28-year-old former Springboks flyhalf.

‘Unfortunately we cannot currently accommodate Derick in our structure. If Derick is fit and injury-free, he will still be a world class player. And if the situation changes and circumstances necessitate it, we will gladly call on him,’ Bulls director of rugby Heyneke Meyer told Beeld.

The Bulls recently signed Stormers pivot Lionel Cronje in an attempt to build depth in the position. Hougaard is currently contracted to English club Saracens and will return there after his failed bid to come home.